Normal-phase and reversed-phase modes suitable for separations of polar and basic organic compounds, such as vitamins and steroids, as well as pharmaceuticals. ZEOsphere’s cyano phase shows the retention behavior of normal-phase chromatography when used with low-polarity mobile phases such as hexane. Because the cyano stationary phase surface is less polar than bare silica gel, the retention times of analytes are generally shorter than with bare silica gel. Cyano is therefore appropriate for samples having too strong retention when analyzed using bare silica gel.

Cyano columns have alternative selectivity and equilibrate more quickly, offering greater suitability for normal-phase gradient separations compared to unbonded silica columns.